Mr. Jeewan Prashad Sharma, a 36-year-old resident of Assam Linzey Daragoan in Pakyong District, has been awarded the prestigious Gwala Ratna Award for 2023-2024. This accolade, formerly known as the Sikkim Milk Man Award, was presented to him during the Gwala Diwas 2024 ceremony at Manan Kendra in Gangtok.
Achievements and Contributions: Gwala Ratna Award
Mr. Sharma’s dedication to the dairy industry is reflected in his ownership of 16 cattle that produced 33,957 kilograms of milk over the past year. His hard work and commitment were recognized with a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh.
From childhood, Mr. Sharma was inspired by his parents, who also worked in dairy farming. This early exposure motivated him to elevate the family business. Starting with just two cows in 2016, he expanded his herd to more than 16 cows by 2022-2023, achieving a daily milk production of 140-150 liters.
Government Support and Modern Practices
The state government’s support has been instrumental in Mr. Sharma’s success. With an incentive of Rs 8 per liter, the government has fostered the growth of his dairy enterprise. Additionally, essential agro-equipment, such as a chaff cutter and power tiller, provided by government initiatives, has streamlined his operations, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
Mr. Sharma’s forward-thinking approach includes focusing on high-quality cow breeds to ensure superior milk production. He notes that while Holstein cows produce larger quantities of milk, Jersey cows produce milk of higher quality.
Personal Insights and Future Vision
In a recent telephonic conversation, Mr. Sharma shared insights into his journey. He expressed joy and encouragement for others to pursue dairy farming, emphasizing its profitability. He currently employs two assistants on his farm and remains optimistic about the future of his business.
He recounted his excitement upon receiving a call from the Sikkim Milk Union on June 30, informing him of his selection for the Gwala Ratna Award. Though he missed meeting HCM P S Golay at the ceremony, he hopes to meet him in the future.
Mr. Sharma’s success is an inspiration to aspiring dairy farmers in the region. His belief in hard work, consistency, and self-created opportunities underscores his ethos of perseverance and determination. He advises new farmers to be dedicated and patient, as the dairy industry offers sustainable returns.
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In Pakyong district, Suntaney MPCS leads in milk supply, followed by Budang MPCS and Assam Lingzey MPCS. This collective effort highlights the significant contribution of local dairy farmers to the region’s dairy industry. Mr. Sharma’s achievements indicate the potential of dairy farming in Sikkim, encouraging others to explore this rewarding occupation.
